Mazda 2015 Annual Report Download - page 7

Review of the March 2015 fiscal year
Although the March 2015 fiscal year saw a drop in crude
oil prices, slowdowns in emerging market economies,
and unstable foreign exchange markets, Mazda was
able to achieve steady growth through structural
reforms leveraging SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and
enhanced brand value by offering attractive, uniquely
Mazda products and services. During the year, we
launched the new Mazda2 (Japanese name: Mazda
Demio) as our fourth new-generation product featuring
SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO design, and com-
menced sales for our fifth new-generation product,
the new Mazda CX-3 compact crossover SUV, in Japan
and globally. As a result, the portion of unit sales
represented by SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles rose to
74%, contributing to unit sales growth, improved prof-
itability, and the strengthening of the brand. Mazda’s
global sales volume for the year rose 5.0% from the
previous year, to 1,397,000 units, the highest level in
20 years. Net sales grew ¥341.7 billion, to ¥3,033.9 bil-
lion, operating income rose ¥20.8 billion, to ¥202.9
billion, and net income increased ¥23.1 billion, to
¥158.8 billion.
During the March 2016 fiscal year, the final year
under the Structural Reform Plan, we will continue to
implement the plan’s major initiatives to further
enhance brand value. We commenced sales of our
sixth new-generation product, the new Mazda MX-5
(Japanese name: Mazda Roadster), in Japan in May
2015, and globally shortly thereafter, and we plan to
launch a new Mazda CX-9 during the March 2016 fiscal
year. We expect that SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles
will account for at least 85% of unit sales. We are
projecting a 6.6% increase in global sales volume, to
1,490,000 units, in the March 2016 fiscal year. Our
financial forecasts are net sales of ¥3,250.0 billion,
operating income of ¥210.0 billion, and net income of
¥140.0 billion.
Returns to shareholders
We view returns to shareholders as one of the most
important management issues. Our policy in deter-
mining the dividend is to take into account results for
the fiscal year, the operating environment, and our
financial position. Based on this policy, we paid a divi-
dend of ¥10 per share for the March 2015 fiscal year.
For the March 2016 fiscal year, we plan to pay a divi-
dend of ¥30 per share. We will continue to strive to
maintain a stable dividend with steady increases.
Progress of the Structural Reform Plan
Under the Structural Reform Plan, announced in
February 2012, we have aggressively pursued restruc-
turing activities leveraging SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY
and maintained investment for future growth, while
making strides toward the realization of a stable earn-
ings structure. As one of the plan’s major initiatives—
business innovation by SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY—we
Message from President and CEO: To Shareholders and Investors
(Forecast)
or more
1,247
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
1,235 1,331 1,397 1,490
31
51
74 85
Global Sales Volume / SKYACTIV Ratio
■ Global Sales Volume (Thousands of units) SKYACTIV Ratio (%)
(Years ended March 31)
Consolidated Results and Forecast
(Fiscal years ended March 31) 2014 2015 2016
Result Increase /
(Decrease) Result Increase /
(Decrease) Forecast Increase /
(Decrease)
Global sales volume
(Thousands of units) 1,331 +96 1,397 +66 1,490 +93
Net sales (Billions of yen) 2,692.2 +487.0 3,033.9 +341.7 3,250.0 +216.1
Operating income (Billions of yen)
182.1 +128.2 202.9 +20.8 210.0 +7.1
Net income (Billions of yen) 135.7 +101.4 158.8 +23.1 140.0 (18.8)
Mazda Annual Report 2015
05
Message from Management
CONTENTS
Foundations Underpinning
Sustainable Growth
Growth Strategy
Introduction
Review of Operations
Corporate Data